Benedict Cumberbatch played the role of cryptanalyst Alan Turing in the 2014 film The Imitation Game. The Power of the Dog actor received an Oscar nomination for portraying the man who saved millions of lives during the Second World War by decrypting German Intelligence messages. The film based on Andrew Hudges’ 1983 biography Alan Turing: The Enigma also won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
However, it may come across as a surprise to some fans that The Courier actor was not the first choice for the film. Cumberbatch revealed that the role didn’t come to him, rather, he had to pursue it.
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Benedict Cumberbatch Was Not The First Pick To Play Alan Turing
Benedict Cumberbatch’s fan-favorite role came in the British mystery drama series Sherlock, where he played a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. The 1917 actor was initially not on Warner Bros’ radar for the role. Warner Bros reportedly bought the screenplay for a whopping seven-figure amount, with Leonardo DiCaprio in mind as the lead. However, DiCaprio declined the role due to busy schedules.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cumberbatch revealed that he had to convince Warner Bros to cast him as Alan Turing. The Current War actor was persistent in achieving the role so that he could contribute something meaningful to the legacy of the great mathematician. The Marvel actor remarked about pursuing the role:
“I was not onboard, but I was onboard with the idea of being onboard. In my head, I was already onboard! I had to convince them.”
Benedict Cumberbatch not only met but exceeded the studio’s expectations, as he was praised for his performance in the movie. While it’s interesting to speculate what Leonardo DiCaprio might have brought to the role, Cumberbatch definitely won the hearts with this role. In fact, the role provided The Electrical Life of Louis Wain actor with the breakthrough he needed.
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dedication to the Role
Benedict Cumberbatch showed solid commitment in telling the poignant story of Alan Turing. The film also sheds light on Turing’s challenges towards the end of his life, as he was persecuted for being a homosexual. The British hero had a tragic demise by suicide.
From the early stages of his involvement, the Brexit actor was very keen on people understanding Turing and the great mind that he was. In his efforts to persuade Warner Bros to grant him the role, the Avengers: Endgame actor recalled telling the studio his intentions:
“I’m gonna keep this brief. I am quite simple — trust me! … It’s a very daunting thing when you look at what his mind gave the world.”
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After his performance in The Imitation Game, Cumberbatch went on to play the titular character in MCU’s Doctor Strange and reprised the role in multiple Marvel ventures. Benedict Cumberbatch also received a second Best Actor Oscar nomination for the 2021 film The Power of the Dog. The Imitation Game is available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
